Television system



Feb. 7, 1939.

E. PHINNEY" 2,146,512

TELEVISION SYSTEM s Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 3, 1954 WI/ SIEZE APIS. GEE/#7000651? INVENTOR E. D. PHINNEY TELEVISION SYSTEM Feb. 7, 1939.

Filed April 5, 1954 3 Sheets-=Sheet'2 IINVENTOR Feb. 7, 1939., E. D PHINNEY TELEVISION SYSTEM 3 Sheets$heet 3 Filed April 3, 1934 mw N INVENTOR Patented Feb. 7, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 18 Claims.

This invention relates to television systems having one or more television pick-up or scanning devices and a plurality. of television reproducing devices, which may be interconnected with the pick-up device selectively as desired; and pertains more particularly to television systems for use in apartment houses as a means of communication between a common entrance doorway and the several individual apartments inside the ll) building.

It is an object of my invention to provide a television system comprising a pick-up or scanning device or devices located to view a first position, such as an apartment building entrance, a

15 plurality of reproducing devices located at separate spaced positions, such as in separate apartments of said building, and means for selectively interconnecting said reproducing devices with said pick-up device.

Electric circuits and switching means are preferably provided so that television signals are automatically transmitted from the pick-up device to v the desired apartment by operation of the door bell of that apartment, through its push button at the entrance in the usual manner. These signals are preferably sent continuously until the visitor who pushed the door bell button is either admitted to the building or otherwise moves away from the entrance. This efiect may be produced by placing at the entrance a platform switch so arranged as to be operated by the weight of a person standing at the entrance, or by a photoelectric system responsive to the interruption of a beam of light, by the body of a person moving towards or away from the entrance, such means serving to render the system potentially active so that transmission of the signals to the proper apartment would take place upon the operation of a door bell push button. Alternatively the apparatus and switching means may be so arranged as to send television signals to a given apartment for a limited time afterthe pushing of the button operating the door bell in that apartment. With this arrangement the termination of the sending of television signals would be efiected by an automatic timer switch, rather than by the movement of the visitor from a posi' tion adjacent the entrance.

Another feature of my invention resides in the provision of means for preventing the reception of the television signals by other than the desired reproducing devices, the object being to prevent undesired spying on .or other locus of the pick-up device. Such spying might be deliberate or might be unintentional,

the entrance to the buildin as in the case when a visitor presses the wrong door bell button by mistake and then immediately afterward pushes the correct button. According to my invention I provide means including inter locking relays so arranged that signals can be transmitted to only one reproducer at a time.

A further feature of my invention is directed 'to the provision of means for automatically supplying light or invisibleray to aid in the operation of the pick-up device at night or other times when natural illumination is insufficient.

The above mentioned and further objects and advantages of my invention, and the manner of attaining them will be made clear in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. l of the drawings represents diagrammatically a television system in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 shows a modified form of the system illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 2 illustrate television systems in accordance with my invention wherein a timer mechanism is employed. Figs. 5 and 6 show respectively, photocell and capacity responsive switch means for use in conjunction with the circuit of Fig. 1.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1 of the drawings reference numeral l indicates a television pick-up device or scanner, constituting a transmitter and 2, 3, and 4, indicate a series of television reproducing devices or receivers, adapted to be connected to the pick-up device or scanner, and to be operated thereby. Byway of illustrating one use of the system the pick-up device .I may be located at the entrance of an apartment house so as to view a person who is in such position as to operate the door bell push buttons or pass through the entrance door way, while the reproducers 2, 3, and 4 are located in different apartments within the building.

A source of electrical energy, such as battery 5, is provided, one terminal of which may be connected to ground through switch 6, while the other terminal connects to a bus bar i, and also to an armature 8 of relay'9. Back contacts Ill of this relay are normally held closed by spring I I, thereby providing a connection to the back contacts ll of relay I2, which are normally held closed by spring 13 attached to armature [4, these contacts in turn completing the electric circuit to bus bar I5 and wire IS, the latter leading to pick-up device or scanner I. Branch wire [8 leads from bus bar 1 to push button switch [9. Another wire 20 leads from the switch to bell 2|, which is the door bell for apartment I, in which the television reproducer 2 is located. A return.

wire 22 connects the bell serially with motor winding 23 of operating magnet 2 3 which forms part of relay 25. The other end of the winding is grounded at 25. The magnet 24 has a locking winding 2?, one end of which is grounded at 26 and the other end of which terminates in a fixed contact 28. Armature 29 of relay 25, which is connected by wire 38 with bus bar l5, carries a front contact which is arranged to engage contact 28 when either of the windings is energized.

Mechanically connected to armature 29 by insulating bar 64%, and movable therewith, are a plurality of contact arms 3!, 32, and 33, which are adapted to engage fixed contacts 34, 35, and 36, when one of the windings of magnet 2A is energized. The contact 35 is grounded, while 35 and 36 connect, respectively, to bus bars 3? and 38, forming the output connections of pick-up device I. The arm 23! connects to a bus bar t2, which, with wire It, forms the power supply line of the pick-up device I. Arms 32 and 33 terminate in wires 39 and 49 leading to the reproducing device 2. A spring 65 is provided for holding the relay in normally inactive position as shown. A light or source of invisible rays ll may optionally be connected to power line wires 16 and 42 through wires 33 and 34, under control of switch 45, so that the light can be energized simultaneously with the pick-up device 1, if desired, to provide enough light for television purposes.

The push button switch lli comprises an insulating plunger 16 having a metal collar 41 fixed thereto, the plunger being normally held in a retracted position, as shown, by spring t8. As the plunger is pushed the collar ll first establishes an electric connection between wires l8 and 26 then the end of the plunger 46 strikes movable arm 49 of normally open switch 56, thereby closing the circuit through branch connector 5! to bus bar 52. This bus bar in turn connects to one terminal of magnet 53 of relay l2, the other terminal thereof being grounded at 54. Arm 49 of switch 50 which is normally held open as shown, by spring 55, connects through wire 65 with bus bar I. Another wire 55 leads from bus bar i to push button door opening switch 51, the other terminal of which has joined thereto wire 58 leading to bus bar 59, this latter being grounded through magnet Gil of relay 9 and door opening magnet 6i, these two magnets being-connected in parallel as shown, or in series.

Additional relays t2 and 63 are provided for reproducers 3 and 4 respectively, as well as the associated push buttons, and circuit connections, all the same as described in connection with reproducer 2, the pick-up device l, power source 5, switch 6, relays 9 and I2, and door opener magnet Bl excepted, these apparatus being common to all the reproducers. Alternatively in place of a single switch 6 adapted to be operated by the weight of the visitor when standing before the entrance in such position as to operate the door bell push button IS, the switch might be located at a different position so that, while it would be closed upon the approach of a person to the entrance door, it would not normally be held closed by the weight of a person operating the doorbell push button l9. In this case the switch mechanism would be self-locking after initial operation by the weight of the visitor, and would be released either by subsequent pressure on a switch by the visitor leaving the front door after being refused entrance, or by closure of a similar pressure responsive switch operated by the visitor passing through the entrance into the building.

An arrangement of this type is shown in Fig. 2 which represents a part of the system to be used in connection with that shown in Fig. 1. Reference numerals 5 and 8 represent a. battery and switch respectively, corresponding to those of Fig. 1. The extra apparatus includes normally open switch 68 and normally closed switches 12 and 76, all being serially connected with an operating battery and holding magnet H. Switch 68 has an arm 69 which is connected by an insulating rod 79 with the switch E5, the arm 69 serving, by means of contacts 79, to complete the circuit through holding magnet H when the switch 6 is depressed, as by the weight of the visitor approaching the entrance of the building. Upon closure of the contacts '10 the circuit is completed from the battery 75 through arm 13 of switch 72 and the contacts 74 thereof, arm 69, and contacts in and magnet ll of switch 68, then through contacts 18 and arm '1'? of switch 56, back to the battery. The switch 6 is located in such position as to be depressed by the weight of a visitor approaching the entrance, this action serving to close the operating circuit of battery 5, thereby rendering the main television system potentially operative, the locking being effected by magnet H. The switches 12 and 16 are, on the other hand, located respectively inside of the entrance and farther away from the entrance on the outside, than switch 6, so that if, in response to an invitation, the visitor passes through the entrance into the building, he will step upon switch l2 and cause the contacts thereof to be opened, thereby deenergizing the holding magnet H and permitting the switch 5 to open to a normally inactive position, under the action of its operating spring, thereby deenergizing the entire television system. On the other hand if the visitor is refused entrance, when walking away from the building he will step upon switch '16 so as to cause the contacts 18 thereof to open, thereby deenergizing the holding magnet H and causing the switch 6 to open just as mentioned hereinbefore. This same type of arrangement might be used with the photocell operated relay switches mentioned above.

Figure 3 shows a simple form of television system which is under the control of a timer or a time cycle switch. In this figure reference numerals l and. 2 indicate respectively the pick-up device and the reproducing device, these being interconnected permanently by wires 88 and 8|.

The power necessary for the operation of the I device is supplied by any suitable source of electrical energy, for example, battery 5. One terminal of the battery connects to the energizing side of the pick-up device I through wire 82, and the other side of the battery connects through wire 83 with a timing switch 84, the return circuit to the pick-up device being effected by connection 85. Push button 86 performs the functions of an ordinary door bell push button, serving to supply energy for the ringing of bell 2! located in the apartment or other site of reproducer 2, the electrical energy being supplied from the battery 5 through the connections 81 and 88. The function of the timing switch 8 is, in response to pressure on the push button 86, to i start a cycle of operation such that television signals are transmitted from pick-up device I to the reproducer 2 for a predetermined interval of time, for example one minute, whereupon the cycle is terminated and the timer reset to its normallyinactive position. This timer device :may be of any type well known in the art, for

example such as that used in the controlling of trafiic signals on highways. No further description of this timer device is believed to be necessary.

. Figure 4 shows a timer controlled television system wherein the television signals are selectively transmitted to predetermined reproducers. Reference numeral 89 indicates a door bell push button for operating the door bell 2i located in the same apartment or other locus with reproducer' 2, the circuit being from the battery 5 through bus bar 99 and wire 9I, through the conducting collar 92 of the push button 89 then through wire 93 and bell 2I, wire 94 and bus bar 95, back to the battery 5. When the push button 89 is fully depressed so that the collar :92 serves to form the connection just described,

the end of the plunger 96 engages contact arm 91 and causes closure of the contacts 98, with the resulting formation of a circuit through magnet 99 of relay I99, this causing opening of the contacts I9I. When the button 89'is released the conducting collar 92 closes a circuit from battery 5 through bus bar 99, wire 9|, wire I92, magnet I93, bus bar I94, connection I95, the input side of television pick-up device I, the connection I99, contacts I91, connection I98 and contacts I9I of relay I99, back to the battery 5.. At this time the magnet 99 is not energized since the plunger 96 has disengaged from the arm 91.

Upon energization of magnet I93 the armature I .I99 thereof is attracted, thereby closing contacts signals elapses.

H9 and at the same time, through the agency of insulating bar III, the contacts H2 and H3 are closed. Upon closure of the contacts II9 the magnet I93 is energized, thereby locking the armI99 in energized position, the connection'l I4,

together with the contacts H9 serving to supply connection for this function and an extension thereof at the same time supplies energy to a magnetic clutch mechanism I24 which serves to connect arm I25 to the worm gear I2I so that the arm is rotated with the worm gear in a counterclockwise direction, against the tension of return spring I26, the arm normally resting against the stop I21. This latter mechanism, turned by motor, provides the necessary time cycle operation,

the rotation of the motor shaft, taken in conjunction with the gear reduction effected by the worm I29 and worm gear I2I, or any other type of gear train, serving to effect the desired speed of motion of arm I25 so that in moving from its position against the stop as shown, to a position in contact with the contact arm I21, the desired interval of time for the transmission of television Upon engagement of the arm I25 with contact arm I21' the contacts I91 are opened thereby breaking the circuit of holding magnet I93 and permitting the contacts .I I0, H2 and II3to be opened by action of return spring I28. At the same time the television pick-up device I, motor H9, and magnetic clutch I24 are deenergized with the result that television signals are no longer transmitted, the motor H9 stopped, and arm I25 being returned by spring I29, to its normal position against stop I21, the arm being released from engagement with worm gear I2I, by deenergization of the magnetic clutch. The contacts I91 then returned to a closed position under action of spring I29.

Similar operations take place when the push button 139 related with reproducer 3, or other push buttons related with other reproducers in the series, such as 4, are operated. The relay HI for closing the circuit to the reproducer 3 I operates in the same manner as the relay already described in connection with the relay 2. The rest of the associated apparatus operates in a similar manner, the battery 5, relay I99, switch contacts I91, motor H9 and associated apparatus being common to all of the circuit.

If desired the relay I99 and associated connection may be omitted, and complete reliance placed upon the time cycle apparatus for opening the contacts I91 and resetting the system to normal. In this instance the operation of a second door bell push button while the television system is operating responsive to a previous operation of another push button, will not terminate the transmission of television signals to the first reproducer nor start the running over again of the time cycle. It will insure that the signals will also be sent to a second reproducer. Furthermore, if desired the relay I99 might be arranged to be operated also bya push button circuit such as that associated with push button 51 of Fig. 1,

which constitutes at the same time a door opening or signalling device.

In Fig. 5 the switch 9' is of the photo-cell type and is adapted to be closed by the interception of a beam of light from a source not shown. This switch may be substituted for switch 6 of Fig. 1, in which case it is so located that the beam of light is out off by the body of a person operating the doorbell push-button I9.' Fig. 6 shows a switch 6 which is adapted to be closed by a change in capacity'of certain elements thereof. This switch may be substituted for switch 6 of Fig. 1 in which case it will be so located that the necessary change in capacity to close the switch will result from the approach of a person to a position where he can operate the doorbell pushbutton I9.

Operation When the system is in operative condition and a visitor approaches the apartment house entrance, he steps on a platform or diaphragm placed in a concealed position before the door in such relation that a person must stand thereon in order to reach the door bellbuttons of the building, his weight on the platform serving to close switch 9 thereby grounding one terminal of battery or other source of electricity 5. The visitor then presses the push button of the apartment which he wishes to enter, in the normal manner of ringing door bells. Assuming that button I9 is pressed, with a view toward signaling apartment I wherein reproducer 2 is located, the electric circuit is closed from the ungrounded side of the power source 5 through bus bar 1, wire I8, conducting sleeve 41, wire 29,'bell 2I, wire 22, motor winding 23 of magnet 24, and to the ground, to which one side of the power source is connected through switch 6.

The closure of this circuit rings bell 2I in .apartment I and energizes winding 23, thereby attracting the armature 29 of relay 25 and caus ing closure of the circuits between contact arms and stationary contacts 29-28, Bl-S l, 32--35, and 3335, respectively. Referring to contact arm 29 and contact 28, electric current passes from the power source 5 through the closed contacts of relays S and I2, to bus bar l5, thence through wire 35, contact arm 29, contact 28, holding winding 2'? to magnet 24 and wire 26 to ground, to which the other side of the power source 5 is connected through switch '6. This looks the contact arms in closed position thereby energizing the pickup device I', which may be of the cathode ray, moving light beam or scanning disc type, or of any other known type of television pick-up means, through wire iii, closed contacts of relays l2 and 9, to power source 5, the other side of the circuit being completed through bus bar 42, contact arm 3|, and contact 34 to ground, thence to the power source through switch 5. The lamp 5| is simultaneously energized if switch 415 is closed. The output signals of the pickup device l pass through a circuit comprising bus bars 3? and 33, fixed contacts 35 and 35, contact arms .32 and 33, wires 39 and 48, and reproducing device 2, which is also of any known type, for example, one relaying on cathode ray means, multiple lamp units, a scanning disc, or movable mirrors for deflecting light beams. As a result the transmitted signals are reproduced as the picture, of the transmitted scene, by reproducer 2 in apartment l.

The occupant of the apartment in which the reproducer 2 is located, upon hearing the ringing of the bell H, which continues only during the interval of time while the push button switch i9 is depressed, looks at the reproducer 2 and sees thereon the image of the visitor at the entrance, this image being reproduced even after the bell stops ringing. Being satisfied that the visitor should be admitted the occupant of the apartment pushes the push button 5'! located in the apartment, thereby closing a circuit through the battery 5, bus bar '8, wire 55, push button 51, wire 58, bus bar 59, magnets 60 and 6!, thence to the ground and back to the battery through switch 6, which is closed. This results in energization of the two magnets mentioned, the former of which attracts armature 8 of the relay 9, thereby opening contact I 0. At the same time the energization of the magnet 5| operates a door opening mechanism or signaling device to indicate that the visitor is free to enter the building. The visitor then does so, and in moving into the building releases the pressure on platform switch 5 thereby permitting the contacts to open. The opening of the switch 6, or of the contacts ill, deenergize all of the operating circuits except that of the push button 57, thereby deenergizing the holding magnet winding 2?, and permitting the relay 25 to return to its normal open position as shown on the drawings, under the influence of its return spring 65. This action results in deenergization of the pick-up device or scanner i and the termination of the sending of television signals to the reproducer 2.

If it should happen that the visitor should not have moved away from the entrance in response to the signal from the apartment given by closure of the switch 51, the relay 25 will still be restored to its normal open position to accomplish the functions mentioned, by the opening of the contacts l alone, this sufiicing to deenergize the holding magnet winding 2? even if switch remains closed. This feature is particularly advantageous when it is considered that two persons may be at the entrance at the same time, one of whom desires admission to one apartment, and the other of whom desires admission to another apartment, or possibly to none at all. In this instance the person who is first to operate a door bell push button, and to receive response from an apartment, would move into the building, but the switch 6 would still remain closed by the weight of the other person mentioned, who might not move away from the entrance at the same time. However by the arrangement shown hereinbefore, the contacts l0 being opened, the relay 25 will be deenergized and the television system left ready for use by any other person who desires to be connected with any apartment in the building.

If, after pressing the door bell push button IS in order to signal a given apartment, the visitor decides that he has made an error and wishes instead to call a different apartment, it is necessary merely for him to press another one of the door bell push buttons, this action resulting in deenergization of the holding magnet of the relay, e. g., 25, which was energized by the erroneous action. This is accomplished in the following manner.

When pressure is applied to the push button I 9 the end of insulating plunger 46 strikes movable arm 49 of switch 50, thereby closing the circuit to contact 5| and thence through bus bar 52 and magnet 53 of relay l2, to the ground at 54. The other side of the circuit is completed from the movable arm 49 through wire 56, bus bar I, the battery 5, and platform switch '6 to ground. Energization of magnet 53 of relay 12 results in the movement of armature l away from its corresponding contact thereby opening contacts I! and breaking the circuit to the battery 5 in just the same manner as described in connection with the opening of contacts I0. As mentioned hereinbefore this action results in the deenergization of the holding winding 21 of the magnet 24 form ing part of relay 25, or the corresponding part of relays 62, 63, and others of the same type used in the system. However, the relay with which the door bell push button that has been operated is related, is not so deenergized and returned to normal position.

To explain this in connection with relay 25, it will be noted that when the button I9 is pressed, conducting collar 47 is brought into such position as to close the circuit between wires l8 and 20, even when the push button is fully depressed in such position as to close the arm 49 against contact 5!. Therefore, the circuit through the door bell 2| and motor magnet winding 23 of the magnet 24 remains intact, with the result that the armature 29 is held in its depressed position, the contacts of the relay 25 remaining, closed. When pressure on the push button I9 is released the armature 4-9 moves away from contact 5| while the sleeve 47 still provides conductivity between the wires l8 and 20 so that the magnet 53 of relay [2 is deenergized prior to the deenergization of the motor winding 23 of magnet 24 forming part of the relay 25. The latter magnet therefore holds the relay 25 in closed position until the circuit to the battery 5 from bus bar I5 is completed by return of the armature M to its normal deenergized position and the holding magnet winding 27 of the relay 25 is rendered operative to continue the holding closed of the contacts of that relay.

In order to prevent any inaccuracy of opera- 7 tion which might result from the inertia of the be desirable to make the magnet winding 23 of the slow release type, thereby insuring that even' if the push button 19 returned to its inactive p-osition so quickly that the winding 23 of magnet 24 might normally be deenergized beforethe return of the armature I4 to its normal position, and consequent energization of the holding magnet winding 21, such action is precluded on account of the fact that the electrical characteristics of the magnet winding 23 are so selected that it is slower to release than the magnet 53 of relay [2. This slow release feature may be provided in any one of the well known manners, this expedient being common in the automatic telephone art.

In the preceding discussion the relay 25 has been used in connection with its associated circuits and apparatus, to illustrate the several points put forth, but it should be understood that the other relays 62 and 63 are identical with 25 with respect to their own structures, and that of their associated circuits. As explained hereinbefore, the battery 5 or other power source, the platform switch 6, relays 9, l2, and door opening or signal magnet 6|, are common to all the selector relays 25, 62 and 63.

Either the release relay l2 or the platform switch 6 may be eliminated if desired, the remaining element serving to reset the system to normal after one period of operation. Alternatively the relaylZ may be removed and the switch 6 may be so constructed as to be time responsive, the switch mechanism, of any well known type, serving to close the circuit from the batteryt to ground upon operation of the push button l9, and subsequently to hold the circuit closed regardless of the position of the push button l9, until the termination of a fixed, predetermined time interval, whereupon the switch will automatically open, thereby deenergizing the entire system until the push button l9 isv again operated. It should be understood that while I have referred to the push button I9 I mean also any one of .the other push buttons occupying a corresponding position with respect to other reproducers.

Likewise in place of the switch 6 being-operated by the weight of a visitor at the entrance, it might also be of the relaytype and be controlled under the influence of a circuit, closure of which is insured by the interrupting of a beam of light which normally falls upon a photocell, by the body of a person approaching or standing before the entrance of theapartment building or other location of the push button l9. Devices for closing or opening a circuit responsive to the interruption of a beam of light are old and well known, and therefore it is not believed to be necessary to give a detailed description thereof herein. Or alternatively the switch 6 might be of the capacity controlled type wherein the switch is closed by a vacuum or gaseous discharge tube In order that a clear impression of the visitor at the entrance may be conveyed to the apartment it maybe desirable to utilize a plurality of pick-up or scanning devices, cooperating with a corresponding number of reproducers, so 10- cated as to view the entrance at different angles, in order that regardless of the direction in which the visitor is facing his features will be reproduced on the reproducing screen in the apartment. Likewise it may be desirable, in order that the visitor will not be alarmed or advised that his image is being transmitted by television, to use in place of the light source 4| a source of infrared or ultra-violet rays which will be visitor when standing before the entrance in such position as to operate the door bell push button I9 the switch might be located at a different position so that, while it would be closed upon the approach of a person to the entrance door, it would not remain closed, the visitor then not being in such position, when operating the door bell push button i9, as to maintain the closure of the switch 6, the switch mechanism being self locking after initial operation by the weight of the visitor and being released either by subsequent pressure thereupon by the visitor leaving the entrance after being refused admission or by closure of a similar pressure responsive switch operated by the visitor passing through the entrance into the building. This same type of arrangement might be used with the photo-- cell or capacity operated switches mentioned above.

7 Such an arrangement is shown in Fig, 2 wherein the switch 16 is located farthest away from the entrance, switch 6 is located nearer the entrance and switch 12 is located inside the entrance. In approaching the entrance to ring the door bell, the visitor passes over switch 6, thereby closing the contacts of switch 6 and relay 68 the same being locked immediately by holding magnet H through its locking contacts 10. At this time the switches 16 and 12 are closed, there being no pressure on them. Butwhen the visitor subsequently passes into the building over switch 12, or away from the building over switch 16, the circuit to magnet H is interrupted and the relay 68 and switch 6 restored to normal open condition. The rest of the apparatus may be the same as in Fig. 1 and is not shown in Fig. 2.

In a simpler form of installation adapted for use in connection with a private house accommodating one or two families, or a small apartment building, or other places where a large number of reproducers is not necessary, the entire control might be effected by means of a switch, such as 6, operated either by the weight or body capacity of a person approaching the pick-up or scanning device or by the'interruption of a light beam to operate a photocell circuit in the manner set forth hereinbefore, all of the other relays and auxiliary apparatus being dispensed with. Thepick-up or scanning device I would be rendered operative and signals transmitted directly to a reproducer or reproducers, without intervention of any auxiliary relay, push buttons or other apparatus, a

According to a still further modification the system could be simplified by the provision of a time responsive switch adapted to be controlled by the door bell push button, the arrangement being such that upon pressure of the door bell push button the door bell. in the selected apartment would be operated and at the same time a circuit would be closed through a time responsive switch or timer mechanism which would start a time cycle of operation such that the television system would be operated to send signals to the said apartment for a predetermined period of time, for example one minute, at the termination of this time interval the timer resetting itself to normal inoperative condition, so that in order to send further television signals it would be necessary again to press the door bell push button. With such an arrangement the timer switch would preferably be'provided with resetting or cycle terminating means responsive to a door opening or signalling current such as caused by pressure of button 51, to terminate the cycle and reset the timer switch to a normal inactive position. The timer itself may be of any old and well known type, for example, such as used in the traffic signal art, such devices being so well known as to need no further description herein. A still simpler form of system could be provided by providing circuit connections so that the television signals would be transmitted from the pick-up device to the reproducer responsive to pressure on the platform switch 6 which would then be so arranged as to bel held closed by the weight of the visitor in any normal waiting position at the door, whether he be pushing the door bell or not.

Such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 3 wherein upon pressure on the switch 86 to initiate the timing cycle a current of electricity is passed through the wires 8! and 88 to energize the bell 2i and cause ringing thereof which continues during the, interval of time when the button is depressed but no longer. This action also causes operation of the timer switch 84 to cause television signals to be transmitted to reproducer 2 for a predetermined time interval. Upon the termination of this time interval the switch 84 automatically terminates the transmission of signals and restores the system to normal inactive condition. With this type system no selector relay is shown for connecting the pick-up device I with a predetermined one of a plurality of reproducers, such as 2, but if desired a plurality of reproducers might be connected in parallel so that signals can be transmitted to all of them at the same time. A similar parallel connection could of course be applied to the system shown in Fig. 1. The particular advantage of the system shown in Fig. 3 is its simplicity and adaptability for small installations where a plurality of separate reproducers are not essential, or where the price of installation thereof would be pro,

hibitive.

Fig. 4 shows a more versatile type of system embodying features of the systems shown in Figs. 1 and, 3 Upon pressure on push button 89 the bell 2i in the selected apartment is rung and the magnet H33 pick-up device I, motor H9 and clutch i2 3 energized. This results in closure of contacts Hi i 52 and i I 3, with resultant transmission of signals to reproducer 2. These signals are continuously transmitted until arm I25 is turned by motor H9 for enough to break the circuit of battery 5, by means of contacts Hi1, whereupon the entire system resets itself to a normal inactive condition under the influence of return spring I28 and I26, Operation of push buttons 89 or we results in a similar sequence of events, except that the television signals are then transmitted to a difierent reproducer. If a second push button is pressed before the termination of the cycle of operation initiated by another push button, or the same push button, the cycle is stopped and started anew by action of contacts 98 and relay I00, which opens contacts it! and deenergizes magnet I83 and magnets clutch I24. A light source might also be energized with the pickup device as shown in Fig. l.

The pick-up device or scanner I has been described hereinbefore as normally deenergized, and rendered active to pick-up a scene only when energized by a direct act. However, this pick-up device may be maintained continuously active by connecting a source of energy,'such as 5, directly across its power terminals, the apparatus described hereinbefore then serving merely to route the constantly produced television signals to any desired reproducer. Or the pick-up device might be rendered active by the weight, body capacity, or shadow of a visitor approaching the entrance, the relays and circuits associated with the door bell push buttons then serving merely to route the television signals to the desired reproducer.

In accordance with my invention any known type of television transmitting, receiving and synchronizing apparatus may be used as desired. Also where separate synchronizing signals or currents are used, distinct from picture signals, these synchronizing signals or currents may be sent continuously, to all reproducers or may be sent to the selected one, or all, of the reproducers, only when, it is desired that a picture be transmitted to a reproducer. Any electric current necessary for energizing the reproducer independently of the picture current, e. g., current necessary to operate an electric motor, cathode ray tube or the like, may be supplied over an additional set of wires, interconnected similarly to the picture current wires, by means of relay contacts. Or a low voltage current only sufficient to operate a relay at the reproducer, may be employed, the relay mentioned serving to connect the reproducer to a local power source during the time when television signals are being transmitted. Referring to Fig. 1,. for example, such operation might be effected by attaching additional contact arms similar to 32 and 33, to relays 25, 62, etc. Alternatively any electric current necessary for energizing the reproducer might be transmitted simultaneously over the same wires withthe picture signal currents, the two currents being separated atthe reproducer by filtering means, in a manner similar to that used in the communication art generally. ternative would be to maintain-the reproducers continuously energized, ready to reproduce pictures responsive to picture signal currents.

In television systems of the types described hereinbefore any suitable source of electrical energy may be used, e. g. direct battery current, or alternating current from a conventional electric power line. a

In place of the separate relays shown in Figs. 1 and 4,-for routing the televiscn signals to a desired reproducer, automatic selectors of the type used in automatic telephony might be used under control of the door bell push button, the auxiliary apparatus, such as weight, .body capacity or shadow operated switches being the same as shown herein.

Or, a still further al matlcally to transmit television signals from one location to one or several other remote positions. While I have described a particular embodiment of my invention it should be understood that various modifications and adaptations thereof may be made within the spirit of the invention as set forth in'the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with an apartment house having an entrance and a plurality of separate apartments, a door bell for each apartment and a, push button at said entrance for each door bell, a television pick-up device for scanning a field of view including said entrance, a television reproducing device in each apartment, and means responsive to the operation of one of said push buttons for causing television signals to be trans mitted from said pick-up device to the one of said reproducing devices located in the same apartment as the door bell with which said push button is associated.

, 2. A system in accordance with claim 1 Wherein said means comprises a locking circuit including a platform switch for maintaining the trans mission of said signals from said pick-up device to said one of said reproducing devices, after said one of said push buttons is released, said platform switch being so located as to be operated by the weight of a person standing before said entrance.

3. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means comprises a locking circuit including a switch arranged to be operated by interception of a beam of light, for maintaining the transmission of said signals from said pick-up device to said one of said reproducing devices, after said one of said push buttons is released,

said beam of light being so located as to be interoepted by the body of a person standing before said entrance in the normal position of one wishing to enter.

4. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means comprises a locking circuit including a switch arranged to be operated by a change in the capacity of a condenser, for maintaining the transmission of said signals from said pickup device to said one of said reproducing devices, after said one of said push buttons is released, said condenser being so located as to have its capacity varied by the body of a person standing before said entrance in the normal position of one wishing to enter.

5. In combination with an apartment house having and entrance and plurality of separate apartments, a door bell for each apartment and a push button at said entrance for each door bell, a television pick-up device for scanning a field of view including said entrance, a television reproducing device in each apartment, means responsive to movement of a person to a position before said entrance and operation of one of said push buttons for rendering said pick-up device potentially operative to transmit signals to said reproducing devices, and individual manually operable control switch means in each apartment for causing said pick-up device to transmit television signals to the one of said reproducing devices which is located in the same apartment with the one of said control switches which is manually operated.

6. In combination with a building having an entrance, a push button at said entrance, a televison pick-up device viewing said entrance, a television reproducing device inside of said building, and means'responsive to operation'of said push-button, to initiate the operation of said television pick-up device and cause the transmission of television signals, representative of a' series of complete views of said entrance to said reproducer.

7. A system according to claim 6 comprising a source of invisible rays cooperating with said pick-up device for flooding the field of view of said pick-up device, and means responsive to operation of said push-button for rendering operative said source of invisible rays.

8. A system according to claim 6 comprising a timer device started responsive to operation of said push-button, for automatically terminating the transmission of television signals and resetting the system to its initial normal inoperative condition, responsive to the expiration of a predetermined time interval from the time when said push-button was first operated.

9. In combination with a building having an entrance, a television pick-up device viewing said entrance, a television reproducing device inside of said building and photocell control means responsive to the presence of a person adjacent said entrance in the field of View of said pick-up device, for starting the operation of said pick-ups and reproducing devices.

10. In combination with a building having an entrance, a television pick-up device viewing said entrance, a television reproducing device inside of said building and variable capacity control means responsive to the presence of a person adjacent said entrance in the field of view of said pick-up device, for starting the operation of said pick-up and reproducing devices.

11. In combination, a switch, a television pickup device viewing a first position, a television reproducing device at a second position removed from said first position, audible signal means at said second position, and means, comprising a self-locking element, responsive to momentary operation and release of said switch for causing a corresponding momentary operation of said audible signal and initiating continuous transmission of television signals representing a series of complete views of said first position, from said pick-up device to said reproducing device.

12. In combination, a first position and a second position, a television pick-up device for viewing said first position, a television reproducing device at said second position, means including a switch for causing a momentary audible signal to be transmitted to said second position, said means also including a self-locking element responsive to operation of said switch for causing television signals, representative of a series of complete views of said first position, to be continuously transmitted from said pick-up device to said reproducing device.

13. A combination according to claim 12 wherein an audible signal device is provided at said first position and an additional switch means is provided at said second position for causing the operation of said audible signal device at said first position, and simultaneously causing the transmission of said television signals to be terminated.

14. In combination with an apartment house having a door bell for each apartment and a push button at said entrance for each door bell, a television pick-up device for scanning a field of view including said entrance, a television reproducing device in each apartment, switch means responsive to the movement of a person to a position where he can operate one of said push buttons for preparing an operating circuit, means, including said circuit and responsive to the operation of one of said push buttons for causing television signals to be transmitted from said pick-up device to the one of said reproducing devices located in the same apartment as the door bell with which said push button last mentioned is associated, said switch means being likewise responsive to movement of said person from said position adjacent said push buttons to terminate the transmission of said television signals and restore the system to its initial normal condition.

15. A television system comprising a television pick-up device, a plurality of reproducing devices, an audible signal means associated with each reproducing device, a single manually operable switch means for energizing said pick-up device and a selected one of said audible signal means, and at the same time completing an electric circuit between said pick-up device and the one of said reproducing devices with which said selected one of said audible signal means is associated, and a second switching means responsive to the movement of a person to a position such that said person is physically able to manipulate said manually operable selective switching means, for preparing an operating circuit for said manually operable selective switching means.

16. A television system comprising a normally deenergized television pick-up device, a television reproducing device, an electric circuit for interconnecting said devices, manually operable means for energizing said pick-up device and causing electrical impulses representative of a series of complete television views to be transmitted to said reproducing device, self-locking means responsive to operation of said manually operable means for maintaining electrical circuit ccnditions such that said electrical impulses continue to be transmitted to said reproducing device, separate switch means responsive to movement of a person from such position that said person would be physically able to manipulate said manually operable means, for deenergizing said pick-up device and restoring conditions to the initial normal state.

17. A television system comprising a normally deenergized television pick-up device, a television reproducing device, an electric circuit for interconnecting said devices, manually operable means for energizing said pick-up device and causing electrical impulses representative of a series of complete television views to be transmitted to said reproducing device, self-locking means responsive to operation of said manually operable means for maintaining electrical circuit conditions such that said electrical impulses continue to be transmitted to said reproducing device, and separate time measuring switch means operable independently of said television devices for deenergizing said pick-up device after the expiration of a predetermined interval of time from the instant when said pick-up device is rendered operative.

18. In combination a television pick-up device, a plurality of television reproducing devices, a push-button corresponding to each of said reproducing devices, and means responsive to operation of one of said push buttons for causing the transmission of television signals, representative of a series of complete views of a position, from said pick-up device to the one of said reproducing devices corresponding to the operated push-button, time measuring means operable independently of said television devices being operable upon the termination of a predetermined interval of time for terminating the transmission of television signals and restoring the system to its initial normally inoperative condition, and manually operable switch means for interrupting a cycle of operation of said timer device, restoring said system to its initial inoperative condition wherein no television signals are transmitted and initiating a new cycle of operation of said timer device to cause said television signals to be transmitted for another predetermined interval of time.

EDWARD D. PI-IINNEY. 

